Subaru is pushing ahead to differentiate the WRX and STI performance models from their lesser, Great-Dane-schlepping brethern.

Unlike their rivals at Mitsubishi, there's no controversy to whether their rally monsters will see next year. With the new Impreza unveiled at the New York Auto Show, there's set to be a gap between the models. The Impreza's new 2.0-liter boxer engine will not be turbocharged, according to Subaru, which means that the WRX and STI will soldier on with the 2.5-liter EJ25 that's been serving them well for the past 20 years.

The separation gives Subaru the chance to push the WRX and STI even further. Akihide Takeuchi, Subaru's Product Manager, said that a replacement turbo engine is currently in development, and is not merely a turbocharged form of the 2.0. He also dropped the hint that, like the Evo, a hybrid version may be in the works.

When the WRX and STI throw off the shackles of its Impreza overlords, there's no telling how far it can go. A two-door STI? A hybrid 22B convertible with a turbo? An all-new ground-up architecture? Subaru fans should be very excited right now.